Nausea and vomiting

Caring for yourself when you have nausea and vomiting

• Watch for dehydration, and treat it early.

  Signs of dehydration include being thirstier than usual and having less urine than usual. Older adults and young children can quickly get dehydrated.

• Be careful with medicines.
  • Don't use aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, to treat belly pain.
  • Take an over-the-counter antinausea medicine, such as meclizine (Antivert or Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), or an antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Try acupressure.
  • Place the tip of your right index finger on the underside of your left wrist, about 1.5 in. (4 cm) from your hand. Acupressure points are very small, so you may need to try this method more than one time.
  • Apply moderate pressure for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Repeat as needed.
  • Acupressure bands, which are available for motion sickness, may help reduce nausea.
• Suck on peppermint candy, or chew a stick of peppermint gum.

  Peppermint may relax tight muscles in your stomach. It can help decrease the stomach contractions that may be causing your nausea.

• Take it easy and stay hydrated if you are vomiting.
  • Rest in bed until you feel better.
  • Sip a rehydration drink to restore lost fluids and nutrients.
  • After vomiting has stopped for 1 hour, drink 1 fl oz (30 mL) of a clear liquid every 20 minutes for 1 hour. Clear liquids include apple or grape juice mixed to half strength with water, rehydration drinks, weak tea with sugar, clear broth, and gelatin dessert. Avoid orange juice, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and lemonade. Avoid apple and grape juice if you also have diarrhea. Don't drink milk products, alcohol, or fizzy drinks such as sodas.
  • If you don't have any more vomiting, increase the amount of fluid you drink to 8 fl oz (240 mL) during the second hour. If you aren't vomiting after the second hour, make sure that you keep drinking enough to prevent dehydration.
  • When you feel better, start to eat clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Gelatin dessert, dry toast, crackers, and cooked cereal are good choices. Try to stay away from strong food odors. They can make nausea worse.
• Rinse your mouth with water after you vomit.

  Brush your teeth if you can. The acid in vomit can erode dental enamel and cause tooth decay (cavities).